Old Testament · 27 chapters
Read Leviticus.
Leviticus explains worship, sacrifice, purity, and holiness in Israel’s covenant life. Its instructions connect approaching God with how people treat neighbors, care for the vulnerable, and order their shared life.
Choose a chapter Leviticus · 27 chapters
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Choose a chapter for the complete Bible text and a short summary to guide your reading.
Chapter 1.
Instructions explain burnt offerings from the herd, flock, or birds. The worshiper’s offering is presented through the priest and burned on the altar.
Read chapter 16 versesChapter 2.
Grain offerings accompany worship with flour, oil, and frankincense. The instructions distinguish the portion burned for God from the portion provided for the priests.
Read chapter 17 versesChapter 3.
Peace offerings use animals from the herd or flock to express fellowship in worship. The fat is reserved for God, and blood is not to be eaten.
Read chapter 35 versesChapter 4.
Sin offerings address unintentional wrongdoing by priests, the community, leaders, and individuals. Different procedures reflect the worshiper’s position and the offense’s communal effect.
Read chapter 19 versesChapter 5.
Specific cases require confession and an offering, with provision for those who cannot afford livestock. Guilt offerings also address misuse of holy things.
Read chapter 30 versesChapter 6.
Restitution is required for dishonest dealings, alongside the guilt offering. Further instructions explain the priests’ responsibilities for burnt, grain, and sin offerings.
Read chapterChapter 7.
Instructions continue for guilt and peace offerings, including thanksgiving and shared portions. The chapter also explains restrictions on fat and blood and the priests’ allotted portions.
Read chapter 36 versesChapter 8.
Moses carries out the consecration of Aaron and his sons. Washing, clothing, anointing, and sacrifices prepare them for priestly service.
Read chapter 24 versesChapter 9.
Aaron begins serving as priest, presenting offerings for himself and the people. God’s glory appears, and fire consumes the offering before the gathered community.
Read chapter 20 versesChapter 10.
Nadab and Abihu die after offering unauthorized fire. The tragedy is followed by instructions about priestly discernment, holiness, and the handling of offerings.
Read chapter 47 versesChapter 11.
The chapter distinguishes clean and unclean animals for Israel’s food and purity practices. These everyday distinctions are connected with the people’s calling to holiness.
Read chapter 8 versesChapter 12.
Instructions address ritual purification after childbirth and the offerings marking its completion. A less costly offering is provided for households unable to afford a lamb.
Read chapter 59 versesChapter 13.
Priests receive instructions for examining skin conditions and affected garments. The procedures determine ritual cleanness and include periods of separation and reassessment.
Read chapter 57 versesChapter 14.
Rituals are given for restoring someone after a serious skin condition and for inspecting affected houses. The emphasis is on careful examination and return to community life.
Read chapter 33 versesChapter 15.
Instructions address bodily discharges and the purification practices associated with them. The rules distinguish ordinary bodily conditions from fitness to approach the sanctuary.
Read chapter 34 versesChapter 16.
The Day of Atonement includes sacrifices, sanctuary cleansing, and the removal of Israel’s sins symbolized by a goat sent away. The people are called to humble themselves.
Read chapter 16 versesChapter 17.
Israel’s sacrifices are regulated, and eating blood is forbidden because life is associated with blood. The instructions distinguish proper worship from unauthorized sacrifice.
Read chapter 30 versesChapter 18.
God prohibits specified sexual relationships and practices, contrasting Israel’s calling with neighboring customs. The chapter connects communal holiness with conduct in intimate relationships.
Read chapter 37 versesChapter 19.
Holiness is expressed through honoring parents, honest dealings, fair judgment, care for the poor, and love of neighbor. Worship and daily ethics belong together.
Read chapter 27 versesChapter 20.
Penalties are prescribed for grave violations involving idolatry, family relationships, and sexual conduct. Israel is called to live distinctly within the land.
Read chapter 24 versesChapter 21.
Priests receive additional requirements concerning mourning, marriage, bodily conditions, and sacred service. Their responsibilities reflect their role in approaching God on the people’s behalf.
Read chapter 33 versesChapter 22.
Instructions govern priests’ access to sacred food and the fitness of animals offered in sacrifice. Worshipers must not treat holy things carelessly.
Read chapter 44 versesChapter 23.
Israel’s appointed festivals are set out, including Passover, firstfruits, weeks, trumpets, atonement, and booths. The sacred calendar joins remembrance, rest, gratitude, and worship.
Read chapter 23 versesChapter 24.
Instructions about the lamps and bread are followed by a case involving blasphemy. Principles of justice apply to both Israelites and resident foreigners.
Read chapter 55 versesChapter 25.
Sabbath years and Jubilee address land, debt, poverty, and servitude. The land belongs to God, and economic life must leave room for restoration.
Read chapter 46 versesChapter 26.
Covenant blessings and severe consequences are set before Israel. Even after judgment and exile, confession and God’s remembrance of the covenant leave room for hope.
Read chapter 34 versesChapter 27.
Rules explain vows, dedicated property, redemption payments, firstborn animals, and tithes. The book closes by regulating commitments made to God.
Read chapterKing James Version (KJV). Bible text supplied by eBible.org and the CrossWire Bible Society. Summaries are written with AI assistance and are separate from Scripture. Read the chapter itself when considering its meaning.